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 enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem 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 express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
