Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. 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 finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "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 movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
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 insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
