Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
