Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to 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 an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
