Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
