Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
