Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, 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 certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
