Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
