For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
