For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
