For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
