For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category 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, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
