Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is 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.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
