Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
