Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
