For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals 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 isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
