For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
