For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 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 defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
