Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming 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 forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
