For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
