Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might 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 represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments 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 must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
