Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
