Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
