Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
