Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
