For the most part, 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, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, 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 quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
