Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
