Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, 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 with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
