Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining