Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
