For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also 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. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
