Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
