Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
