Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
