Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely 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, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind 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 early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
