Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
