Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
