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, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business 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 gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
