Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus 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! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
