Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about 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, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
