Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable