Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
