For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted 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 latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
