Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
