Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to 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 quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious 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 herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
