Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
