For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
