For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, 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 months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
