Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 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 has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
