Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn 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 reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people 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 pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
