Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
