Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
