For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "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 movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
