Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
