Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
