For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
