Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
