Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
