Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 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 subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, 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 creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
