For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
