For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
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 about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
