Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
