Typically, 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 seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
