Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be 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 effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable