Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
