Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
