Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
