Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide 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 level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, 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
