Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
