For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights 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 welcome realistic 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 movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
