Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between 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 lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces 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 devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
