Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people 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 I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
