For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust 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.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
