For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
