Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—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 family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
