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 seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope 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 remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite 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 society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
