Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
