For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals 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 flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
