Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
