Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
