Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
