For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
