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 feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
