For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
