Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
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 subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
