Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often 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, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
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 message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
