Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable 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 about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
