Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
