Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
