For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
