For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
