Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, 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 instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
