Typically, 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 much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable