For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
