Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
