Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre 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, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, 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 everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
