For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
