For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "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. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
