Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know 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 uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
