Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed 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 transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
