Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
