For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
