For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
