For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know 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 relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
