Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
