Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic 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 movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
