For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are 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
