Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided 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 include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware 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—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
