For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
