Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, 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 her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
