For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
