Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household 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 business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building 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 notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
