For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested 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 paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness 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 doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
