Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
