Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains 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 enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
