For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
