Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family 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 becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
