For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn 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 holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes 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 since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
