Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
