Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
