Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
