Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
