Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate 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 rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion 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 movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
