For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved 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! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
