For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
