Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
