Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good 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 head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
