Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce 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 approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic 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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
