For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
