Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
