Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. 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 natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals 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 perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
