Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
