Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
