Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
