Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
