For the most part, 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 largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
