Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, 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—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
