Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
