Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
