Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic 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. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
