For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
