Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation 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 cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
