Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
