For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
