Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—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 add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
