Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. 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 Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
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! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
