For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch 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 film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved 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 frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
