Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source 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 its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
