Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing 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 idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
