Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 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 and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
