Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off 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 surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
