Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of 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. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
