Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. 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 subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
