Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
