Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While 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 supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
