For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
