Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
