Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
