For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
