Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about 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 via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
