For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
