Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of 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. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
