For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
