For the most part, 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 at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
