For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
