Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
