Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
