Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also 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 rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
