For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
