Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre 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, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
