Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting 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 remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways 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 fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast 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 opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
