For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
