Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
