Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally 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 as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation 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 loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
