Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
