For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "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. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
