For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
