Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus 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 since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
