For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
