For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
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 some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
