Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
