Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
