Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities 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 a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, 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 all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
