Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
