Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans 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 bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
