For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
