For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. 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 brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
