For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
