Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
