Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
