For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
