Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
