Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone 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 that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
