For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick 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 freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
