Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust 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.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
