For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic 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 frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
