For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
