Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
