For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic 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 frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
