For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
