Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
