Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, 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 outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
