Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
