Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
