Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, 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 family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
