For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new 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 a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
