Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
