For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
