For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 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 defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
