For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
