Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
