Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
