Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 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 what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey 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 welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
