Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop 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 since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
