Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused 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 alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
