Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
