Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted 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, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
