Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
