Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. 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 nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
