For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know 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 predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment 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 the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
