For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
