For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. 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 eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once 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 relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
