For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however 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 face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
