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 enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
