Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
