For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
