Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
