For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts 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, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
