Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict 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 I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
