For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce 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 approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
