Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! 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's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother 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 doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
