Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
