Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, 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 instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
