Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware 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 family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
