For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
