Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
