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 seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
