For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
