Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie 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 a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
