Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided 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 lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
