Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
