For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
