Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre 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, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
