For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals 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, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
