Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
