Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
