Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
