Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop 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 since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
