For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once 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 building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
