Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
