For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they 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 heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
