Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they 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 prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
