Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
