Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
