For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
