Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
