Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
