For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
