Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member 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 for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
