For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
