Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
