Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's 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 Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
