For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, 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 Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
