Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
