Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is 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 works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable