For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
