Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted 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 entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
