Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
