For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
