Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes 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—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
