Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
