Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument 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 when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
