Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
