Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding 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 supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
