For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon 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 clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
