Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up 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 outcome is an engaging and entertaining
