Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved 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! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
