Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights 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 realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, 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 familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
