Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
