Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. 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, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
