Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals 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 perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
