For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
