Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved 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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
