For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite 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 some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
