Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
