Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
