Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
