Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
