Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
