Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining