Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
