For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
