For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights 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 authentic subversion from that "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. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
