Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
