Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for 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 becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
