Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop 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 since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
