Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just 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 genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
