Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted 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 defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
