For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
