For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
