Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
