Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal 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 interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company 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 is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
