For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
