Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
