Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
