For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration 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 doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
