Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
