Typically, 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 largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add 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 feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them 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 shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
