For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus 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 so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
