Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however 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 whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
