Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about 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 regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
