Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
