For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, 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 convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building 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 nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
