Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
