Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
