Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, 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 also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "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. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
