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 proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
