Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, 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 popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
