Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion 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. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
