Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
