For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely 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 defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
