For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
