Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
