Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
