For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
