Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
