For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
