Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie'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 when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people 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 so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
