Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn 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 supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
