Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
