Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
