For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
