Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
