For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
