For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining