Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
