Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
