Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
