Typically, 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 largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
