Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
