Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. 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, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
