Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures 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 any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
