Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
