For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus 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!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
