For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot 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 depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
