Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. 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 subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
