Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
