Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
