For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
