For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
