Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly 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 then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
