For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
