For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
