Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable