For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
