Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even 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, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
