Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
