Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
