For the most part, I've grown tired of 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 nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
