Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion 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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
