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 feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic 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 movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
