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 nowadays. 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 turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "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 movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
