For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
