Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
