Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
