For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
