Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been 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 turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
