Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome 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!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
