Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation 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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
