Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie 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 seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
