Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between 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. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
