For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
