Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
