Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "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. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
