For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces 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 shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive 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 realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
