Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
