Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears 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 incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but 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, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
