Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
