Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), 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 face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
