Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games 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 well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
