Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
