For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
