Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
