Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
