Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
