Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
