Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
