For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus 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 so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
