Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. 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 created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
