Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
