Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
