For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
