Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
