Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
