Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. 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 a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
