Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
