Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
