Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
