For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—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 an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion 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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
