For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
