For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
