For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
