For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
