For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
