Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
