Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
