Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
