Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene 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 sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values 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 via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
