Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals 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 I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
