For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, 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 for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
