For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
