For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" 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. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
