Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once 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 over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
