For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
