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 enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
