Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted 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 my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
