Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. 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 opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
