Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily 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 result proves an engaging and enjoyable
