For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
