Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
