Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 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 subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment 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 doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
