For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
