Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
