Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
