For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
