Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, 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 beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
