Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been 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 quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
