For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
