For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
