Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
