Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, 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 causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
