For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
