Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
