Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
