Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
