Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
