Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are 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 blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
