For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
