Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
