Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
