Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
