Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead 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 are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
