For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. 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, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote 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 much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable