Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
