For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
