Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
