Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
