For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
