Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently 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 cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are 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 also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation 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 often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits 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 is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
