Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial 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 in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
