Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
