For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
