Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
