Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
