Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
