For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
