Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
