Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
