Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
