Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. 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 enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
