For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
