For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
