Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
