For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. 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 who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
