Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
