Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
