Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation 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 often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
