For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
