Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 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 in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
