Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
