Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested 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 drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
