For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
