Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
