Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
