Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "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. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
