Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
