Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
