Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
