Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
