Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
