Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
