For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
