Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
