Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
