Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
