Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
