Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion 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 apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
