For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, 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—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
