Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
