Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. 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 physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
