Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
