Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
