Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
