Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect 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 avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
