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 were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation 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 values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
