For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
