Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
