Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
