Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
