Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
