Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
