For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing 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 repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide 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 amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
