Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
