For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
