Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
