For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
