Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives 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 on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
