Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
