Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
