Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals 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 all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
