Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters 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, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
