For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, 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 everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
